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Money The Number of Americans with Two or More Jobs
The number of Americans with multiple jobs has continued to rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 8.3 million people in the U.S. now have two or more jobs according to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
This is driven by a combination of economic pressures, changing employment patterns, and evolving societal norms.
Due to rising inflation and rent prices, many individuals could find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet with a single income source.
The BLS data reveals that more women work two jobs than men, with over 434,000 women between 20-24 years old doing two or more jobs.
Key statistics
- 8.4 million people in the U.S. (5.2% of the employed population) work more than one job.
- Women are more likely to work multiple jobs: 5.2% of women (434,000) aged 20-24 hold two or more jobs.
- African American women are most likely to work two or more jobs.
- 5.7% of women vs. 4.7% of men hold multiple jobs.
- Black or African Americans have the highest rate of multiple jobholding at 5.8%.
- Asian Americans have the lowest rate of multiple jobholding at 3.6%.
- Widowed, divorced, or separated individuals have the highest rate at 5.5% compared to married and single people.
- Nearly 2 million people manage two part-time jobs, while 376,000 Americans work two full-time jobs.
How many Americans work multiple jobs?
A total of 8.3 million Americans work multiple jobs, according to 2024 data from the BLS, showing clear discrepancies between demographics.
Currently, 5.2% of the employed population in the United States holds more than one job, meaning that 1 in every 20 employed individuals works multiple jobs to supplement their income.
In the United States, more women than men juggle multiple jobs, with 5.7% of women compared to 4.7% of men holding two jobs.
African American women take up the biggest percentage of multiple jobholders, with 6.2% of the employed population needing to supplement their income with different jobs. [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
Breaking the research down into age, race, gender, and marital status brought back interesting facts about the need to work more than one job.
Multiple jobholders by age
Young adults aged 20 to 24 have the highest rate of multiple jobholding, with 824,000 individuals representing 5.6% of this age group as of July 2024.
This contrasts with teenagers aged 16 to 19, where only 162,000 or 2.9% hold multiple jobs. The discrepancy between these age groups highlights a significant trend: young adults are the most likely to juggle multiple roles, while the youngest workers are less likely to do so.
It may be normal for some teenagers to work fewer hours while they ease into the working world. The transition from teenage years to early adulthood might involve significant lifestyle changes, including higher education, entry-level jobs, and financial independence.
These factors could contribute to the higher rate of multiple jobholding among young adults. In contrast, the lower rate among 16 to 19-year-olds may be due to fewer financial responsibilities and greater focus on education.
As Americans age into their late twenties and beyond, the rate of multiple jobholding stabilizes at 5.1% for those aged 25 years and over. This consistency suggests that the need for supplementary income remains significant across a broad adult age range. [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
People with multiple jobs by race
Black or African Americans have the highest rate of multiple jobholding, with 5.8% of this demographic holding multiple jobs. In contrast, Asian Americans have the lowest rate, with only 3.6% of this group working multiple jobs. This discrepancy underscores the varying economic pressures and employment patterns among different racial groups.
| BY RACE | Total | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 5.2% | 4.7% | 5.7% |
| Black or African American | 5.8% | 5.1% | 6.4% |
| Asian | 3.6% | 3.2% | 4.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino ethnicity | 3.7% | 3.5% | 4.0% |
Source [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
Despite having a lower percentage, White Americans constitute the largest number of multiple jobholders at 6.4 million individuals. There are 1.2 million Hispanic or Latino individuals who hold multiple jobs, accounting for 3.7% of their demographic.
These figures indicate that while the percentage of multiple jobholders is highest among Black or African Americans, the total number is predominantly White due to the larger population size.
People with two or more jobs by gender
Women have a slightly higher rate of multiple jobholding, with 5.7% of this demographic holding several jobs, compared to 4.7% of men who hold multiple jobs.
Source [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
The multiple jobholding rate for women is just one percentage point higher than for men, meaning the total number of multiple jobholders is fairly balanced, with 4,363,000 women and 3,986,000 men holding multiple jobs.
These figures indicate that while women are slightly more likely to work multiple jobs, a significant number of men also juggle more than one job.
Workers with more than one job by marital status
Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics broke down the multiple job holders by their marital status including widowed, divorced or separated, never married or married.
Marital status significantly impacts multiple jobholding rates. Widowed, divorced, or separated individuals have the highest rate at 5.5%, while those who have never married have a lower rate at 4.8%.
| Total | Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Married, spouse present | 5.3% | 5.2% | 5.4% |
| Widowed, divorced, or separated | 5.5% | 4.8% | 6.1% |
| Never married | 4.8% | 3.8% | 6.0% |
Source [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
Widowed, divorced, or separated individuals account for 1.3 million multiple jobholders, with 5.5% of people in this group having more than one job. This may be driven by the higher level of financial responsibility of the earner in single-income households.
There are 4.3 million married individuals with a spouse present holding multiple jobs, at a rate of 5.3%.
Those who have never married account for 2.6 million multiple jobholders, with a rate of 4.8%.
376,000 people work two full-time jobs
Over 376,000 people in the U.S. work two or more jobs. There are different ways to hold multiple jobs including a full-time and part-time split, two part-time jobs or two full-time jobs.
Let’s look at how multiple jobholders manage their time between different jobs.
The majority (58.4%) of multiple jobholders have a primary full-time job and a secondary part-time job. Around a quarter (25.2%) have two part-time jobs, while 4.5% have two full-time jobs, and 11.9% work varying hours for one or both of their jobs.
| Year | Average VantageScore - AZ |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 662 |
Source [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
One full-time and one part-time job
The majority of multiple jobholders fall into this category. Almost 5 million Americans work one full-time job alongside one part-time job according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data.
This arrangement can give full-time workers the opportunity to supplement their income with a secondary part-time job, perhaps in the evenings or weekends.
Two part-time jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics research shows that over 2 million individuals manage two part-time jobs.
This is a split between two part-time jobs allowing for flexibility, as part-time hours can range from one to 34 hours per week.
Two full-time jobs
A smaller, yet noteworthy group of 376,000 Americans work two full-time jobs.
Full-time hours require 35 or more hours a week, meaning that those working two full-time jobs are laboring for at least 70 hours a week.
Why are people working more than one job?
The rising inflation and rent costs are outpacing the wage rates year-on-year. This adds a demand to work more hours to pay rent or to earn more than one salary.
In addition to the inflation, many workers are anxious about getting laid off. Here are some of the reasons many Americans may be opting to work multiple jobs. [2] Statista, “Monthly job losses U.S.” https://www.statista.com/statistics/217824/seasonally-adjusted-monthly-number-of-job-losers-in-the-in-the-us/
Economic pressure
Economic factors, including inflation and wage stagnation, drive many individuals to seek additional income sources.
Inflation rates have surged in recent years, outpacing wage growth and increasing the cost of living.
The cost of living continues to rise in the U.S. changing the demands on households, this becomes more true for those with bigger overheads and other costs such as debt.
Seasonal and temporary work
Seasonal employment patterns, such as increased hiring during the holiday season, contribute to the rise in multiple jobholding.
Stats will be influenced by temporary work and seasonal positions. Seasonal work means that there’s less stability and also a need for other work during the off-season, this requires many seasonal workers to search for a secondary job position.
Earnings of multiple jobholders
Despite working two jobs, multiple jobholders earn an average of $2,200 less in one quarter than those that hold a single employment. [3] U.S. Census, “Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics” https://lehd.ces.census.gov/ [4] U.S. Census, “A New Way to Measure How Many Americans Work More Than One Job” https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/02/new-way-to-measure-how-many-americans-work-more-than-one-job.html
This could be down to the possibility that those who do not seek an additional job already earn a sufficient income for their needs, whereas multiple jobholders might want to supplement their income with another job.
Single jobholders vs multiple jobholders earnings
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD), individuals with only one job earned an average of $15,750 from their full-quarter job in the first quarter of 2018.
In contrast, multiple jobholders earned an average of $9,770 from their primary job and an additional $3,780 from all secondary jobs, totaling $13,550 from all employment sources.
Earnings from secondary jobs are significant, accounting for about 28% of a multiple jobholder’s total income. For those with relatively low earnings (at or below the 18th percentile), the income from secondary jobs provides more than 30% of their total earnings.
For most other multiple jobholders, secondary jobs contribute over 25% of their total income. Even among high earners in the top 10 percentiles, making $28,300 or more per quarter, approximately a fourth of their total earnings comes from secondary jobs. [3] U.S. Census, “Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics” https://lehd.ces.census.gov/ [4] U.S. Census, “A New Way to Measure How Many Americans Work More Than One Job” https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/02/new-way-to-measure-how-many-americans-work-more-than-one-job.html
Industries of multiple jobholders
Over 50% of multiple jobholders work across four main industries including healthcare, accommodation, retail, and administrative.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, here are the percentages of multiple jobholder employment in each of the four main industries:
- 16.8% in healthcare and social assistance
- 16.7% in accommodation and food services
- 14.5% in retail trade
- 10.8% in administrative, support, and waste management services
Sources [3] U.S. Census, “Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics” https://lehd.ces.census.gov/ [4] U.S. Census, “A New Way to Measure How Many Americans Work More Than One Job” https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/02/new-way-to-measure-how-many-americans-work-more-than-one-job.html
How to avoid burnout working two jobs
According to Walden University, working two or more jobs can be detrimental to both physical and mental health, increasing the chances of depression and heart disease.
That’s why it’s important to manage employment safely. Although economic pressures and life’s general busyness make it challenging, it’s still imperative to take precautions.
Walden University’s research reveals that more mistakes at work and sleep problems occur when committing to multiple employment.
Harvard Business Research advises prioritizing self-care, reducing stress, and seeking connection:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Focus on good sleep habits, nutrition, exercise, social connections, and activities promoting well-being. Prioritizing yourself helps you ensure mindfulness and keeping yourself healthy.
- Shift Your Perspective: Identify what aspects of your work situation you can change to reduce stress. Free up time and energy by delegating critical tasks, and engaging with supportive colleagues and mentors to counteract negative influences.
- Reduce Exposure to Job Stressors: Reset what and how much you're willing to take on, and establish ground rules for working relationships. Actively manage stress-inducing aspects of your job, and know when to say no to overwhelming demands.
- Seek Out Connections: Engage in rich interpersonal interactions and continuous personal and professional development. Band together with colleagues to offer support, identify problems, and brainstorm solutions. Participate in programs like advisory support and idea-sharing.
Sources [5] Walden University, “Is Working Two Jobs Good For Your Mental Health?” https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/counseling/resource/is-working-two-jobs-good-for-your-mental-health [6] Harvard Business Review, “4 Steps to Beating Burnout” https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout [7] Forbes, “Working Multiple Jobs? Here Are Some Reminders to Save Your Sanity” https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2023/01/17/working-multiple-jobs-here-are-some-reminders-to-save-your-sanity/
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jobs does the average American have at once?
Currently, just over 5% of the employed population in the U.S. have more than one job whereas the other 95% of employed Americans work a single job according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
Is it legal to work two jobs at the same time in the USA?
Yes, it’s legal to work more than one job simultaneously in the United States.
Federal law states that Americans can work more than one full-time or part-time job. Before committing to a second job it’s important for the worker to check their employment agreement and other potential restrictions. [8] Rocket Lawyer, “Is It Legal To Have More Than One Job?” https://www.rocketlawyer.com/family-and-personal/personal-finance/legal-guide/is-it-legal-to-have-more-than-one-job
Is working two jobs bad for your health?
According to Walden University’s research, working two or more jobs can negatively impact workers' health, increasing the likelihood of depression, heart disease, and sleep issues. It's crucial for those with multiple jobs to prioritize self-care and find time for activities outside of work, although this can be challenging in the current economic climate. [5] Walden University, “Is Working Two Jobs Good For Your Mental Health?” https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/counseling/resource/is-working-two-jobs-good-for-your-mental-health
Sources
- [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Multiple jobholders by selected demographics and economic characteristics” https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea39.pdf
- [2] Statista, “Monthly job losses U.S.” https://www.statista.com/statistics/217824/seasonally-adjusted-monthly-number-of-job-losers-in-the-in-the-us/
- [3] U.S. Census, “Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics” https://lehd.ces.census.gov/
- [4] U.S. Census, “A New Way to Measure How Many Americans Work More Than One Job” https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/02/new-way-to-measure-how-many-americans-work-more-than-one-job.html
- [5] Walden University, “Is Working Two Jobs Good For Your Mental Health?” https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/counseling/resource/is-working-two-jobs-good-for-your-mental-health
- [6] Harvard Business Review, “4 Steps to Beating Burnout” https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout
- [7] Forbes, “Working Multiple Jobs? Here Are Some Reminders to Save Your Sanity” https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2023/01/17/working-multiple-jobs-here-are-some-reminders-to-save-your-sanity/
- [8] Rocket Lawyer, “Is It Legal To Have More Than One Job?” https://www.rocketlawyer.com/family-and-personal/personal-finance/legal-guide/is-it-legal-to-have-more-than-one-job
